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Read the press release here.

Lower East Side Murder Victim's Body Heads Home

By Patrick Hedlund

DNAinfo News Editor

MANHATTAN — The body of a 23-year-old woman who was brutally stabbed to death inside their Lower East Side apartment has been transported back to her home state of Connecticut — while her alleged killer sits in a prison psychiatric ward.

Sara Coit, who was attacked and left for dead in her 63 Clinton St. apartment on Sunday, was picked up by a Connecticut funeral home late Tuesday after the city medical examiner ruled she had died from multiple stab wounds to the torso.

A representative from the Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home in Stamford, Conn., said that funeral arrangements have not yet been set for Coit, who grew up in the tony suburb of Greenwich, Conn.

Coit was slashed with such ferocity in the face and side that her internal organs were spilled from her body by the time police discovered her, the criminal complaint said.

Her family released a short statement Tuesday through an attorney saying it "greatly appreciates all of those that have extended their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."

Coit's family lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Coit's boyfriend Raul Barrera, 33, remains on suicide watch at the Bellevue Hospital psychiatric ward, where his family paid a tearful visit Tuesday, the Daily News reported.

Records indicate he had seven prior incidents of domestic violence with two former girlfriends, one of whom gave birth to his now 9-year-old son, the News added.

Barrera, who has been charged with second-degree murder, is expected back in court Friday.